§ 27. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power whether the licences he grants to applicants to drill for oil or gas in the North Sea are limited in topographical area and in time.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Frederick Lee)Yes, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesDoes my right hon. Friend realise that if these licences are given they may have an adverse effect on fishing in the North Sea? Will he take care to ensure that fishing interests are protected in any licence which he may give?
§ 28. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power if he is aware of the 193 danger to the breeding and fertility of fish in the North Sea resulting from the escape of effluvia from the drillings for oil and gas which are about to take place there under licence from him and what steps he plans to take to protect the fish shoals from that danger.
§ 44. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of the damage to fishing in the North Sea following the granting of licences for the underwater exploration for oil.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Power (Mr. John Morris)The available evidence suggests that the risks are negligible. Licensees are required to take all steps practicable to prevent the escape of oil or gas into the sea.
§ Mr. HughesIs my hon. Friend aware of the need to protect the fishing shoals in the North Sea? Is he aware that some of them have already been driven south as a result of these operations?
§ Mr. MorrisOn this issue of the risk of damage, as my hon. and learned Friend is aware, the operations affect only a fraction of the area of the North Sea. If my hon. and learned Friend disagrees with me that the risks are negligible, I shall be interested in any evidence which he can produce.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonHas the hon. Gentleman any indication from the oil-drilling processes already in operation in the North Sea of damage to fish stock from this method? Will he use his influence with the companies concerned to see that they are aware of the serious concern felt about this by fishermen in the North Sea?
§ Mr. MorrisI am not aware of any damage. As the hon. Member knows, licensees are required not to interfere unjustifiably with the fishing area or with the conservation of the living resources of the sea.
§ Mr. RidleyWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that drilling and exploration goes on in many other parts of the world and that there is no evidence whatsoever from the rest of the world of any damage to fishing or fishing interests?
§ Mr. MorrisThat is my information.